Capital Markets: Debt | Asia-Pacific

King & Wood Mallesons is a pre-eminent full-service law firm offering comprehensive expertise across the full gamut of capital markets issues. The law firm handles complex hybrid securities mandates and is particularly renowned for the depth of its debt practice, advising on complex and innovative debt products from kangaroo, green and social to blockchain bonds. The equity capital markets team is known for its strong capabilities handling complex IPOs, block trades and secondary offerings. King & Wood Mallesons demonstrates considerable ability in complex cross-border matters, particularly those involving the USA and China.

A&O Shearman has a prominent team offering expertise across the full spectrum of DCM and ECM including high-value IPOs. The team has notable experience handling cross-border listings and funding for M&A transactions, particularly within the energy and resources sector. The firm is known for its strength in the securitisation arena and is experienced in working with an extensive range of asset classes including auto loans, residential mortgages and credit cards. The team has access to the firm's global network and is noted for its expertise in the US and European bond markets. The firm has long-established relationships with a number of international investment banks and top ASX-listed companies.

Allens maintains a strong reputation for its broad-ranging capital markets capabilities and works with a number of blue-chip clients, investment banks and other major financial institutions on significant ECM transactions including high-value block trades, IPOs and secondary offerings. The firm also possesses an impressive DCM practice working on a number of hybrid note issuances and US private placements. Allens handles matters involving offshore markets utilising the firm's cross-border expertise and its alliance with Linklaters. The team can draw on its significant regulatory expertise to advise arrangers and issuers, including institutional banks, on APRA guidelines.

Ashurst has a highly commended practice offering in-depth knowledge across the whole spectrum of ECM, DCM and securitisation transactions. The law firm is known for working on novel and bespoke securitisation issues, including portfolio acquisition funding, auto loan and lease securitisation and establishment of fintech securitisation programmes. Ashurst is experienced in the Eurobond and US markets and acts for leading financial institutions, international banks and financiers in addition to its blue-chip corporate client base. The team is frequently instructed on major IPOs and ASX listings and placements.

Herbert Smith Freehills is recognised for its highly respected team handling an array of DCM, ECM and securitisation work. The equity capital markets team maintains a strong reputation for acting for issuers on highly complex and innovative matters, including high-profile IPOs, dual listings and hybrid issuances. The firm boasts significant experience in the Eurobond and US private placement spheres. Herbert Smith Freehills is also noted for its depth of experience interacting with key regulators in the market.

Baker McKenzie demonstrates expertise in a range of ECM matters, including novel capital raisings and IPOs. The legal team routinely acts for underwriters, and handles cross-border capital raisings and listings throughout the Asia-Pacific region, with additional experience in the UK and US markets. Baker McKenzie is also noted for DCM expertise, including advice on note programmes and high-yield bonds.

Gilbert + Tobin maintains a leading practice in the ECM space, known especially for its strength in handling high-value and complex IPOs, secondary offerings and block trades for issuers, investors and underwriters. The firm also has considerable expertise in DCM, where it is frequently engaged on complex restructures and refinancing of high-yield bonds.

MinterEllison is highly regarded for its deft handling of debt and equity transactions. The legal team acts for an impressive range of issuers, underwriters and lead managers on ASX listings, secondary raisings and bond matters. In addition, the team also represents trustees, offshore investors, REITs, and senior and mezzanine financiers in securitisation and initial raisings. MinterEllison advises on mezzanine and warehouse facilities as well as debt issuance programmes. The firm principally handles high-profile domestic work, but is also active on cross-border matters as a result of affiliations with international firms.

Norton Rose Fulbright is a highly commended firm offering in-depth knowledge across the full gamut of capital market transactions. The capital markets team possesses particular experience in the corporate bond market and trustee advisory work. The team demonstrates strength in securitisation and structured finance transactions, as well as equity capital raises such as IPOs and secondary offerings. Norton Rose Fulbright boasts an impressive cross-border offering, strengthened by its international network of offices with locations in Europe, in the USA and across Asia. The firm acts for clients from a diverse range of industries, including energy, infrastructure and technology.